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Baku 2015 opens new perspectives

25 May 2015 14:40 (UTC+04:00)
Baku 2015 opens new perspectives

By Nigar Orujova

Expectations run high as less than 20 days are left to the European Games 2015 clock. In just over two weeks Azerbaijan will host both a historic sport event in the history of Azerbaijan and that of Europe – Welcome to Baku 2015 European Games.

Every day more countries are issuing reports on their teams as they're getting ready to compete for medals in 20 sports in Baku on June 12-28.

The whole of Azerbaijan is now involved in the grandiose event as the Journey of the Flame visits all regions - since April's end.

Moreover, the presentation of the Games continues abroad. Such European cities as London, Paris, Rome, Athens, Ankara, Berlin, and Moscow, have already been acquainted with the inaugural Games. Recently, Baku 2015 was presented in Warsaw.

Meanwhile, Berlin has hosted the opening of the photo exhibition "Azerbaijan - sports in lens", dedicated to the first European Games.

Thus, the whole Europe will have a chance to learn more about Azerbaijan before visiting the country next month.

Baku 2015 - window for sports world into Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan made a compelling pledge to the EOC to host the inaugural European Games back in 2012, Patrick Hickey, president of the European Olympic Committees, said to The Business Year magazine, dedicated to the first European Games Baku 2015.

He said Azerbaijan's concept was innovative and offered an assurance that all infrastructures would be ready on time and delivered to the highest international standards, with strong legacy plans to elevate sport throughout Azerbaijan, the region, and the continent.

The Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee is delivering on all these promises as they now move into the final testing and readiness phase of their preparations, he added. “BEGOC has only had 30 months to deliver these Games.”

“To stage an event such as Baku 2015—which is bigger in scale than the Olympic Winter Games—in such a tight timeframe has only been possible through the hard work and professionalism of BEGOC's staff,” Hickey stressed.

“However, behind the excellent work of BEGOC is total government support. The First Lady is the Chair of the Baku 2015 Organizing Committee and the President is also the Head of Azerbaijan's National Olympic Committee. Their support and passion for the European Games has been crucial.”

The Games are one of the most significant events in the recent history of Azerbaijan, he said. Since 2012, the city has secured other high-profile sports properties, such as the Formula One Grand Prix in 2016, the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017, and matches at EURO 2020, said Hickey.

“Baku 2015 opened a window for the sports world into Azerbaijan, and the country has seized its opportunity,” he said. “The innovation behind the European Games also helps us address another challenge making Europe aware and communicating about why these Games are a necessary introduction to the sports calendar.”

Grand event for Europe

The first European Games is a great event not only for Azerbaijan but also for the whole of Europe, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, Simon Clegg said to Turkish News Agency Anadolu.

The preparation for the Games will allow Azerbaijan to gain even more experience in the light of future competitions, such as Formula 1, the Islamic Solidarity Games and matches in the Euro 2020, he believes.

The inaugural event will be broadcasted around the world. For those keen on attending the Games, Azerbaijan rolled out a simplified visa method, thus facilitating travel for foreign guests.

Tickets for Baku 2015 can be purchased directly from 11 conveniently located ticket outlets around Baku, including Park Bulvar, 28 Mall, and Metro Park Baku, and online at baku2015.com/tickets.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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